Nonaka's SECI Model
Nonaka's SECI Model
Nonaka's SECI Model
Nonaka's SECI Model is a framework in Knowledge Management that explains how knowledge is created and shared within an organization. It was developed by Ikujiro Nonaka and Hirotaka Takeuchi in the 1990s.
What Does SECI Stand For?
SECI stands for Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization. These are the four processes through which knowledge is transformed and transferred.
Socialization
In the Socialization phase, knowledge is shared through direct interaction. This often happens through face-to-face meetings, informal conversations, or shared experiences.
Externalization
During Externalization, tacit knowledge (knowledge that is hard to express) is converted into explicit knowledge (knowledge that can be documented). This can be done through writing, diagrams, or models.
Combination
In the Combination phase, different pieces of explicit knowledge are combined to form new knowledge. This often involves organizing, sorting, and integrating information from various sources.
Internalization
Internalization is the process where explicit knowledge is absorbed and converted back into tacit knowledge. This happens through learning by doing, training, or practice.
Why is Nonaka's SECI Model Important?
Nonaka's SECI Model is crucial for understanding how knowledge flows within an organization. It helps in creating a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, which is vital for innovation and growth.
Practical Example
Imagine a team working on a new project. They start by sharing ideas (Socialization), then document their plans (Externalization). Next, they combine these documents with existing knowledge (Combination). Finally, they apply what they have learned in practice (Internalization).